Telling your boss about seeking another job

I spoke with my DON today about having upcoming interviews with other companies. She knew I was unhappy managing. A few months ago, she came to me and offered an MDS position. I declined because I had left that role at a previous facility, and it would mean the firing of someone else. This person is getting fired regardless if I replace her or not, but I didn't want to be seen as the reason for the firing by others. Months went by, and I became more and more unhappy and frustrated and finally accepted the MdS role. It's been two months and I have not been moved to that role. She wants to find my replacement first- so who knows how long it will take. In the meantime I have done some deep thinking and have decided that I really need to leave LTC altogether. So I told her before any drastic moves take place. I feel it is not fair for me to accept the MdS job, and then leave anyway. So today I was told that if she finds my replacement before I find another job I will be S.O.L. Her words where "if I find someone, well, I don't know what to tell you". I went to her trying to honest and fair. I knew she would be upset and disappointed. It just hurt that this is how it is. I really hope I ace these interviews now, because so much more is at stake. I feel I did the right thing by telling her, but now I have to work there for however many more weeks/months knowing the axe may fall. This bites.

I have had two interviews with another SNF. I am one if three final call backs for inservice coordinator/employee health/ infection control officer. I also have interviews Monday and Tuesday with two separate home care agencies. Hopefully I find a job before she replaces me.

Jul 12, '13

I'm sorry you got burned. Hospital/LTC admins have to look out for themselves before anyone else, so never give them anything to use against you. It's hard to remember that if you get to be friends with the managers in question, but really, they're still going to prioritize the job over you most of the time even if you are best friends. It's one of those things.

I hope you find a job soon!

Jul 15, '13

Thanks. I am feeling really burned. I feel this whole bridge may be burned. I am very carefully weighing how much I need a reference from this facility.

Jul 15, '13

This is why most of us don't discuss with our bosses in advance that we are looking for other opportunities, and hope they don't find out until you submit a formal resignation. I hope things work out for you --

Jul 15, '13

I know it isn't the usual course. I know that had I taken the MDS position I would have still left. Since that is a more technical skill set, I think it would have been worse to leave that position than my current one. I also know that either way, my boss would have been angry. I think this is one bridge burning at both ends. I am satisfied that I worked hard for this company. I am not a good fit for their team and I need to go. I am hoping for an offer soon. Expecting calls the beginning half of this week.

Jul 15, '13

Good luck, Savoy!

Jul 18, '13

I have a shadow experience this Saturday with home care to see if I like the position before I accept. Feeling hopeful. Thanks for being a sounding board during tough times.

Jul 19, '13

Resigned today. It's completely liberating. I have two weeks to go and a few job prospects. Feeling hopeful, like I can move on and enjoy being a nurse again. I used to love nursing. I used to feel like I made a difference. I have a chance to reclaim that now. I am sad that it came to this end where I work. It isn't a bad place; I am just not right for them, and they aren't doing me any good either. I was a square peg there. I recognize that it was my fault as much as theirs. I am not going to play victim. I learned a lot about my tolerance and how I behave under stress, and what I can do differently next time. I learned about politics and ego; mine and others, and how ego effects decision making. I hope I learn as much in my new adventure, whatever that may be. I hope I go into it with humility and serenity (the opposite of how I m exiting this job) I really believe that everything happens for a reason;and though I am not a Christian, I can't help feeling like it was divine intervention that allowed me be here and learn the lessons that I needed to learn. It may be this martini talking, but I feel very optimistic and I hope that all my future threads and posts have a positive light. Have a wonderful weekend AN. Thanks for the shoring up when I needed it.